Dr. Kristen M. Jacobs encourages simpler approaches to skincare during Acne Awareness Month
Why “Less Is More” When It Comes to Achieving Healthy, Clear Skin
By Tribune Staff • While many people turn to social media for skincare advice, Dr. Kristen M. Jacobs, aesthetic physician, bestselling author, and owner of Ooh La La Spa, Anti-Aging & Wellness, says that following the latest skincare trends may actually be making acne worse.
According to Dr. Jacobs, she sees many patients who use multiple active ingredients, layering products from different brands, and following recommendations from social media influencers in an effort to clear their skin faster. Unfortunately, these complicated routines often leave the skin irritated, inflamed, and unable to tolerate the treatments that could be most effective.
“One of the first things I discuss with my patients is the products they’ve used in the last 30-days,” said Dr. Jacobs. “The answer frequently explains why their acne isn’t improving. Many patients are unknowingly combining exfoliants, retinoids, spot treatments, and other trending products that can overwhelm the skin and damage their skin barrier.”
When the skin barrier becomes compromised, patients often experience increased redness, irritation, dehydration, and inflammation. While they may believe their acne is getting worse, Dr. Jacobs says their skin is often simply struggling to recover.
“Healthy skin must come before clear skin,” said Dr. Jacobs. “Once the skin barrier improves, acne treatments become more effective, better tolerated, and more likely to provide long-term results.”
In addition to good hydration and nutrition, Dr. Jacobs recommends focusing on a consistent skincare routine built around a high-quality cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and medical-grade products such as SkinMedica and Colorescience. Advanced treatments, such as AviClear, Forever Clear BBL, DiamondGlow facials, and chemical peels, can be tailored to each patient’s individual needs, and also help restore the skin and treat acne.
Acne is influenced by factors such as hormones, stress, nutrition, hydration, environment, and genetics, which is why no single treatment or product works for everyone. Dr. Jacobs says effective acne treatment requires a personalized, medically guided approach tailored to each patient’s unique skincare needs.
“Clear skin isn’t about chasing flawlessness,” said Dr. Jacobs. “It’s about knowing your body, restoring balance, calming inflammation, and supporting healthy skin over time. It is built through consistency, patience, and protecting the skin’s natural barrier. Sometimes the best way to clear skin is to stop doing so much to it.”
